“Mr Sam Mataure will no longer be taking bookings for and on behalf of Tuku Music with immediate effect. Thank you for your continued support,” read the post on Tuku’s Facebook fan page.

The move came as a shock for many who interacted with Mataure, with some saying Tuku had made the right decision as the famous drummer was in fact pulling him down.

“I support this decision, each time I wanted to book, I’d be referred to other artistes… for the why? Bye Sam,” commented one Naomi Mai Tino K on the post.

Efforts to get a reason as to why Mataure had been relieved of his duties were fruitless as the number provided for new bookings was unreachable while Tuku’s mobile was unreachable.

Mataure’s mobile phone on the other hand went unanswered.

However, a reliable source close to the development said Mataure had not been sacked.

“Sam wasn’t fired. He’s no longer taking bookings only as systems have been put in place to ensure that bookings are handled professionally while Sam focuses on the band,” said the source.

Asked who was now responsible for taking bookings, the source said it was not exclusive to one person.

“The booking number that has been availed to the public can be answered by a lot of different people who have been authorised by Tuku to deal with his bookings. Calling that number is like calling an office landline.

“People need to understand that this way of operating is not new as artistes worldwide contract agents, who are not necessarily their managers to take bookings on their behalf.” The Chronicle